Expanded Jumbunna Hub strengthens family support
More Richmond Valley and Kyogle families are getting the best start in life and the help they need to overcome barriers of disadvantage as Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre expands the programs delivered at its successful Community Hub.
Jumbunna, which is based in Casino, provides a range of early intervention, education and disability support services to children, families and young people.
The service was awarded $1,521,687 through the jointly funded Australian and NSW governments Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund for the construction of the Community Hub.
The preschool expansion includes a space which can be used as a gym or large meeting room, smaller individual therapy rooms, yarning circle, administration area, storage and staff areas.
Since its opening, Jumbunna has used the building to address gaps in disability support for young people, delivering programs which encourage independent living, social skills and understanding relationship boundaries.
New programs have led to the hiring of additional staff which has also helped reduce the time families wait for assistance through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Jumbunna supports 130 children and their families on average annually, as well as preschooling for up to 60 children. At least 30 per cent of the families in most programs are Indigenous.
The Community Hub is also used by local fitness groups, private psychology support providers and NSW Government agencies to deliver early childhood health programs.
Residents can explore the Hub and its services during a family open day on Monday, 30 September, featuring a jumping castle, face painting, and games.
Quotes attributable to Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director Recovery & Resilience Programs Megan Cleary:
“The Jumbunna Community Hub is a project that will leave a lasting legacy for families in the Richmond Valley and Kyogle local government areas.
“Jumbunna is a well-respected organisation with deep roots in the community, and with this extra versatile space, it can continue its important work of delivering social programs that meet the changing needs of locals.
“The Northern Rivers has experienced significant natural disasters in recent years, and through the Community Hub, families will receive the assistance they need to recover and overcome the disadvantages posed by living in isolated rural areas.”
Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre General Manager Karen McDermott:
“Casino is a small regional town with many vulnerable families who struggle to access the essential supports and services they need.
“At Jumbunna, we have always known that the best way to improve outcomes for these locals is to bring the services directly to them.
“Through the Community Hub, we can collaborate with other professionals and organisations to support these vulnerable people, right here in their local community where they feel safe and secure.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported our vision, including the NSW Government and Casino Food Co-Op. It is exciting and humbling to see it come to life and function as it was designed to do.”